5 Things You Need To Know About IPL Hair Removal

5 Things You Need To Know About IPL Hair Removal

We’ve all heard that IPL is a method of permanent hair reduction. But what exactly does that mean?

Here are 5 things we should know about this popular hair removal method.

1. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light.

IPL is a light-based technology based on a method called “selective photo thermolysis”. This works by selective destruction of a specified target without damaging surrounding tissue. In the case of IPL Hair Reduction, hair follicles are the selected target. The light energy turns into heat energy, coagulating the melanin in the follicle. As a result, the follicle cannot grow new hair.

2. You need multiple sessions of IPL for hair reduction

At any given time, only up to 25% of our hair is in active growth phase. Thus, repeated IPL sessions (for 6 sessions and above) every 3-6 weeks are necessary to permanently reduce hair growth in any given area. Targeted hair will fall out in about 2 weeks after an IPL session. Regrowth will be lighter and finer, and some hair might not grow out, leaving patchy areas in the duration of treatment. Once most of the hair has been targeted, the treatment area will eventually be uniformly bare. If you cannot commit to a regular treatment schedule for at least the first few sessions, you might find your IPL treatment less effective.

3. IPL effectiveness depends on hair and skin colour

IPL works when darker hair pigment absorbs the light energy directed at it. This light energy transforms into heat energy to destroy the follicle at its roots, thereby stopping hair growth from the hair bulb. The higher the contrast between hair and skin, the more light is absorbed, and the more concentrated the energy directed at hair itself. The best IPL candidates have fair to medium-dark skin and dark hair.

When the skin-hair contrast is low, there is a danger of skin absorbing light energy and getting burned. In cases of dark skin, the IPL intensity has to be lowered during treatments. This leads to a need for more IPL sessions, as opposed to fewer sessions for an individual with a high skin-hair contrast.

4. Some IPL treatments are more effective than others

All IPL treatments work based on the same principle of “selective photo thermolysis”. However, improvements in technology have led to many different upgrades in technology. Look for IPL machines with a built-in cool tip function to reduce discomfort and the risk of burns. Choosing an IPL technology with dynamic pulse control (DPC) allow for more flexibility in treatment settings, so you can obtain the best results for all skin types in all treatment stages.

5. IPL makes skin temporarily photosensitive

Thinking of going sun tanning after your IPL? Don’t! Skin is photosensitive after an IPL session, so you should avoid prolonged and unprotected sun exposure for 2 weeks after IPL. Also avoid heat and, steam baths, sauna and intense exercise (including swimming) for 24 hours.